Vale Robbie Francevic

New Zealand motorsport legend and Australian Touring Car Champion Robbie Francevic has died aged 84.

Francevic, born in Auckland, enjoyed a highly successful career in his homeland in a variety of categories before being encouraged to take on the Australian Touring Car Championship in 1985.

Starting his career in a range of modified Fords in his homeland in the 1960s, Francevic attempted to break into stock cars in America, before turning his hand to Formula 5000 open wheelers through the following decade.

However, it was New Zealand car owner and former racer Mark Petch who entrusted Francevic with his Volvo 240T when local touring car regulations shifted to the international Group A formula in 1985.

The 'Swedish taxi' proved a force to be reckoned with, Francevic immediately winning the inaugural Wellington 500 street race against a strong field of internationals, before winning two races in the 1985 ATCC, including Volvo's first ATCC win in Tasmania.

Becoming a factory Volvo operation in 1986, Francevic became the first non-Australian resident to win the touring car title, but tensions behind the scenes at management changes saw Francevic walk out on the team before Bathurst.

Francevic remains Volvo's only Australian Touring Car Champion.

Petch took to social media to announce Francevic's passing: “I am very sad to lose Robbie after all those years together.

“We shared so many memories, it’s just such a shame we didn’t get to reminisce over the last few years.

“Bobi’s and my fondest thoughts are with Robbie’s wife, Darling Rosita, with whom we shared so many happy memories.”

Francevic would only make a further three ATCC starts in Ford Sierras, whilst he would make six Bathurst starts between 1985-1990, recording a best finish of sixth in 1987 for BMW.

Supercars passes on its sympathies to Robbie's family and friends.